Hoya curtisii

Taxonomy

Hoya curtisii is a species of flowering plant in the genus Hoya, native to Southeast Asia including Thailand, the Philippines, Borneo, and Malaysia. It is an epiphyte plant that grows on the surface of other plants, such as trees, and is a slow grower but easy to care for. The plant has small, heart-shaped flowers with splashes of silver and gives off a wonderful citrus smell when in bloom. Its foliage is easily recognizable among Hoyas, with small, pointed leaves and silver variegation. The Hoya curtisii is perfect for hanging baskets as it is a trailing plant that displays beautifully. Hoyas, also known as waxplants, have over 500 species and cultivars, and are native to Southeast Asia. Their thick, waxy leaves help them retain water in the heat, and they're excellent climbers that will take off if given a trellis to grow on. Their otherworldly, star-shaped flowers come in brilliant shades of red, pink, yellow, and more, and are often fragrant. The Hoya curtisii is just one stunning example of this diverse plant family.

How to care for Hoya curtisii

Difficulty

Hoya curtisii is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Hoya curtisii does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Hoya curtisii loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Hoya curtisii requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Hoya curtisii will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

The Hoya curtisii does not follow a standard dormancy pattern. If you observe a significant decrease in its growth rate, make sure that it is receiving an adequate amount of sunlight and water to flourish.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Hoya curtisii does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Hoya curtisii should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Hoya curtisii’s native range is Southeast Asia and Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia